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| Where Was The Map of Longing Filmed? Every Stunning 2026 Netflix Shooting Location. (Photo: Netflix) |
The breathtaking scenery in The Map of Longing (El mapa de los anhelos) has become almost as talked about as the emotional story itself. From elegant city streets to historic squares, the 2026 Netflix drama uses real Spanish locations to bring Greta's deeply personal journey to life. While several filming sites have been identified, Netflix and the production team deliberately kept many exact locations under wraps during production to avoid crowds disrupting filming. That decision has only made fans even more curious about where the cast actually spent months bringing the adaptation to the screen.
Viewers have reacted with plenty of enthusiasm online. Some fans are already adding Spain to their travel wish lists, while others have been trying to identify every street and café seen throughout the series.
There is also appreciation for the production team's decision to protect certain filming spots during shooting, with many agreeing that keeping locations private helped avoid unwanted interruptions. Of course, there are always viewers convinced they can identify every building from a five-second background shot. Confidence is free, after all.
The heart of The Map of Longing is Madrid, where the majority of principal photography took place after filming began in July 2025. Spain's capital provides the emotional backdrop for Greta's journey through grief, healing and self-discovery.
The city's elegant boulevards, leafy parks, traditional neighbourhoods and modern districts allow the series to shift naturally between intimate personal moments and wider cinematic landscapes.
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Madrid is famous for landmarks such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, Retiro Park and the Royal Palace, all of which contribute to the city's distinctive atmosphere.
Even when the series focuses on quieter streets rather than famous monuments, Madrid's unmistakable character remains present throughout nearly every episode.
Several sequences were also filmed in Barcelona, adding a completely different visual identity to the series. With its Mediterranean coastline, remarkable architecture and vibrant streets, the Catalan capital gives the drama a fresh energy whenever the story moves away from Madrid.
Viewers may recognise iconic landmarks including Sagrada Família, La Rambla, Casa Milà, Arc de Triomf and the Venetian Towers appearing across exterior and establishing shots.
Barcelona's combination of historic buildings and contemporary culture perfectly complements the emotional highs and lows explored by the characters.
The production also travelled to Pamplona, where several memorable scenes were captured throughout the historic city centre.
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Although internationally recognised for the San Fermín Festival, the city offers much more than its famous annual celebrations, with charming streets and centuries-old architecture creating an authentic backdrop for quieter moments.
Filming reportedly took place around Calle Jarauta, Calle San Nicolás, Plaza San Juan de la Cadena, Plaza de La Libertad and the surrounding Calle Amaya area.
One real estate office was even transformed into a fictional business for the production, while local bars temporarily became part of Greta's emotional journey. Sometimes television magic simply needs a few cameras and a convincing shop sign.
Production also extended to Alcalá de Henares, the historic university city east of Madrid. Its beautifully preserved old town, elegant squares and traditional Spanish architecture blend naturally with the reflective tone of The Map of Longing.
The city's UNESCO-listed streets provide a timeless atmosphere that fits perfectly with the series' quieter emotional scenes.
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Known as the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, Alcalá de Henares combines cultural heritage with peaceful surroundings, making it an ideal location for character-driven storytelling without overwhelming the narrative.
Although many filming locations have now been identified, the complete production map has never been fully disclosed. That was an intentional decision during filming, allowing the cast and crew to work with fewer disruptions while preserving the authenticity of the production.
As a result, fans continue piecing together new discoveries as the series reaches audiences around the world. Behind the camera, The Map of Longing was directed by Laura M. Campos and Gemma Ferraté, with the screenplay adapted by Isa Sánchez from Alice Kellen's bestselling novel.
The series was produced by Brutal Media alongside Netflix Spain, with executive producers Arlette Peyret and Raimon Masllorens overseeing the project. Their combined effort helped transform the beloved novel into an emotionally rich drama filled with striking Spanish scenery.
Several of these locations are open to both local and international visitors, making them ideal additions to any Spain itinerary. Whether you're drawn by the architecture, the history or simply want to stand where Greta's journey unfolded, each destination offers something worth exploring beyond the television screen.
As more verified filming locations are publicly identified, we'll continue updating the list with confirmed information. Until then, which location impressed you the most while watching The Map of Longing? Have you visited any of these Spanish destinations already, or is one now firmly on your travel bucket list?